Key terms:
Hinduism majority religion, Islam, Christianity & Buddhism minority religions, caste system, karma, samsara, reincarnation,
British colony, independence, the Commonwealth, infrastructure, British school and legal system, British colonial mindset and colonial guilt, agricultural economy, production, service sector, IT sector, outsourcing. Brain drain, Indian diaspora,
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Assignment: Silent focused work - how do we do it?
What is karma? Read here.
Look up the word reincarnation and explain it in your own words.
Assignment: Draw a picture of how the three concepts are connected and all play a part in the understanding of life according to Hinduism.
The drawing must include atman, brahman, karma, samsara and moksha.
The caste system explained here
Reflect: How do you think the thought of reincarnation, the caste system and samsara affects the business world, work ethics and the will to strive for social mobility in India? Your reasoning must be put into perspective to The American Dream.
By using Laswell/Shannon Weaver model analyse the article from your homework
Analyse the language in the article according to the model here (message analysis)
Europeans spent several centuries sailing around the world creating empires, despite the fact that most of the places they conquered were perfectly happy to carry on alone. After World War II, most of these empires collapsed. This is the story of those collapses. In most places, the end of empire was not orderly, and violence often ensued. While India was a (sort of) shining example of non-violent change, in places like The Congo, Egypt, Rwanda, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, things didn't go smoothly at all. (stop at 6:48)
How Brits see the world: Niall Ferguson: "How Britain Made the Modern World"
How Indians see the relation to Britain: 'Colonial mindset' harming British trade with India
Activity: Non-fiction Reading Response Choice board
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Read:
Read about our Attitudes to other cultures here.
We all have Stereotypes and prejudices, what are they? Read here.
Culture theories:
Study:
Edward T Hall's theory here
Geert Hofstede's Value Dimensions here
Now, compare Denmark and India here
Reflection assignment:
How does cultural differences affect Danes doing business in India? What should we be aware of?
Write your thoughts in Elevfeedback to get attendance. Make sure to touch upon relevant theories in your answer.
Watch:
Chimamanda Adichie talk about stereotypes and what the danger of these are.
Growth of India’s GDP and its role in the global economy.
Comparison with China as a competitor for foreign investment.
Opportunities and challenges for international businesses entering India.
Case studies of companies like Tata Group, Reliance, Infosys, or Mahindra.
Indian startups that have gone global (e.g., OYO Rooms, Byju’s, Zomato).
Bollywood as a global business industry.
Why companies in the U.S. and Europe outsource to India.
Impact on India’s job market and economy.
Benefits and criticisms of outsourcing to India.
India’s growing middle class and consumer trends.
Influence of traditional culture on modern marketing.
How international brands adapt to Indian tastes (e.g., McDonald’s menu in India).
Rise of India’s startup ecosystem ("Silicon Valley of Asia").
Government initiatives like “Startup India” and “Digital India.”
Young entrepreneurs transforming business in India.
Businesses addressing poverty, education, or health issues.
Microfinance and its role in supporting small entrepreneurs (e.g., women in rural areas).
Case study: Amul (dairy cooperative) and how it empowered farmers.
Renewable energy in India (solar, wind etc.).
India’s challenge with pollution and waste management → opportunities for green businesses.
Balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.
India’s trade relations with other countries.
How globalization has changed jobs, culture, and lifestyle.
Impact of multinational corporations in India.
How religion, festivals, and traditions shape consumer behavior.
Negotiation styles and workplace culture in India.
Challenges for foreign businesses working in India.
Role of technology: AI, fintech, digital payments.
India’s potential to become the world’s third-largest economy.
Barriers: infrastructure, inequality, education.
An international business opportunity, import instead of export.
A growing middle class poses both opportunities and challenges.
How changing consumer habits challenges India and the planet.
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We keep working on the India group projects.
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Essay-writing in class. Read the text on module in Lectio.
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We watch Slumdog Millionaire on CFU.
While we watch think about:
- how the "old" and "new" India can be seen in the movie, reference scenes for example.
- how the topic and rich/poor is seen
- if and how the main characters represent "the Indian Dream" if such a thing exist
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Groups here.
You work as the Minister of State for the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in India. You have been asked to give a speech on the challenges India faces due to its stark polarisation, at a UN meeting in New York, USA.
In the speech you analyse the current challenges, and furthermore you discuss how India might thrive in the future as a country with more equal opportunities.
Write the manuscript in English.
Word count: 800-1200 words.
Use the following sources:
Your essay must include references to the source material (timestamps).
All sources must be documented.
How-to guide on writing a manuscript here or below.